Bear killed confirmed to be responsible for Colorado attack

Updated 10:11 pm, Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Three traps have been set up for a bear that attacked a 5 year old girl. Veuer's Natasha Abellard (@NatashaAbellard)

Media: Veuer

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Wildlife officials say a bear killed by officers is the one that attacked a 5-year-old girl outside her home in western Colorado.

In a statement Wednesday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said DNA evidence confirmed the 2-year-old male bear was the animal responsible.

Photo: Colorado Parks And Wildlife, AP

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In this photograph provided by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, the paw of a bear believed to have mauled a young child is examined after being shot and killed Monday, May 14, 2018, in Grand Junction, Colo. The 5-year-old girl attacked by a black bear outside her home over the past weekend was expected to recover thanks to quick thinking of her mother who scared away the animal. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife via AP) less

In this photograph provided by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, the paw of a bear believed to have mauled a young child is examined after being shot and killed Monday, May 14, 2018, in Grand ... more

Photo: Colorado Parks And Wildlife, AP

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St. Mary's Medical Center surgeon Charles Breaux, center, talks on Monday, May 14, 2018, in Grand Junction, Colo., about an East Orchard Mesa girl who was in the hospital after a bear attack early Sunday morning. The girl was expected to recover thanks to the quick thinking of her mother who scared away the animal. (Christopher Tomlinson/Grand Junction Sentinel via AP) less

St. Mary's Medical Center surgeon Charles Breaux, center, talks on Monday, May 14, 2018, in Grand Junction, Colo., about an East Orchard Mesa girl who was in the hospital after a bear attack early Sunday ... more

Photo: Christopher Tomlinson, AP

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Most creatures you'll find in the wild just want to stay out of your way. But just in case, click on to read tips on how to walk away from close encounters unhurt.

Most creatures you'll find in the wild just want to stay out of your way. But just in case, click on to read tips on how to walk away from close encounters unhurt.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WILD ANIMALS:

SHARK:

While sharks attacks are rare, when it happens, fight back. "You want to be aggressive because sharks appreciate size and power," says one expert. Especially effective can be a blow to its nose or jab in the eyes.

According to the park service at Point Reyes, if a mountain lion approaches try to appear bigger than you are by raising your arms. DO NOT crouch down or bend over because it might mistake you for prey. And if it attacks, FIGHT BACK!

Apparently, monkey attacks, rare as they are, almost always revolve around food. So if you have food, toss it toward them. If you don't have food, open your hands to show they they're empty. And don't smile to show your teeth. This is taken as a sign of aggression.

Begins by staying calm and leave the area. If the bear is intent on making contact and you have bear spray, aim above the eyes. If the bear attacks, play dead and spread your legs. "If it starts eating you, it is no longer defensive and it is time to fight back."

If you are attacked by a dog, punching it directly in the snout can kill it instantly.

DOGS:

If you are attacked by a dog, punching it directly in the snout can kill it instantly.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

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LIONS

Lions are apparently easily scared away if you make yourself seem big and threatening. Lionesses on the other hand are far less intimidated.

LIONS

Lions are apparently easily scared away if you make yourself seem big and threatening. Lionesses on the other hand are far less intimidated.

Photo: Charles Krupa, AP

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BULL:

Be totally still and you can avoid being charged because bulls only see movement. If you are being totally still right in front of a bull, you may not be charged, but whether you get trampled is another question.

Be totally still and you can avoid being charged because bulls only see movement. If you are being totally still right in front of a bull, you may not be charged, but whether you get trampled is another

FILE - In this May 14, 2018, file photo provided by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, a DNA sample is taken in Fort Collins, Colo., from the paw of a bear killed by wildlife officers after a young girl was attacked outside her home. Wildlife officials say DNA evidence confirms that the bear is the one responsible for the attack. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife via AP, File) less

FILE - In this May 14, 2018, file photo provided by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, a DNA sample is taken in Fort Collins, Colo., from the paw of a bear killed by wildlife officers after a young ... more

Photo: Colorado Parks And Wildlife, AP

Bear killed confirmed to be responsible for Colorado attack

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The girl's mother said she was attacked after she went outside to check on sounds she thought were coming from her dog outside at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. The mother screamed at the bear, which dropped the girl and left.

Wildlife officers monitoring a bear trap shot the animal within about a half-mile (804 meters) of the girl's home that night. They say the bear came within a few feet of their vehicle, looking into an open window.